What does Revelation 17:2 mean?

With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. Revelation 17:2

Explanation

The verse from Revelation 17:2 is a part of the depiction of the great harlot, or “Babylon the Great,” who represents a city guilty of corrupting influences and sins against God. The verse metaphorically portrays her as having engaged in “fornication” with the world’s rulers, symbolizing a wrongful relationship or illicit union between this entity and the powers of the earth. The reference to “the kings of the earth” suggests widespread political involvement, while the mention that “the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk” indicates that ordinary people are also seduced by her temptations. Here, “fornication” and “wine” are symbols for the intoxicating allure of corruption, idolatry, and moral decay.

Historical Context

Revelation is the last book of the New Testament, written in a genre known as apocalyptic literature, which was common in Jewish and early Christian writings. The historical context of this book is generally understood to be the late 1st century AD under the Roman Empire. Christians at that time faced persecution, and Revelation was written as an encouragement for them to endure, offering a vision of God’s ultimate victory. This verse is part of a larger vision that uses vivid and symbolic language to describe the eventual downfall of a corrupt and idolatrous system that stood against God’s people.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is often interpreted in multiple ways. Some see Babylon the Great as a symbol of Rome, known historically for its persecution of Christians and its decadent lifestyle. Others interpret the term more broadly, viewing it as any system or organization that opposes God’s kingdom. This symbolic adultery is understood to represent idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. The theme of judgment is strong in this passage, pointing to the notion that entities opposed to God’s righteousness will ultimately be doomed.

Practical Applications

In contemporary application, this verse serves as a caution against colluding with corrupt systems or participating in unethical behaviors that are normalized in society. It’s a call to remain faithful to one’s values and beliefs despite societal pressure, and to resist the metaphorical intoxication of power, wealth, or societal acceptance, which can lead to moral compromise.

Cross-References

• Revelation 14:8: “And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”
• Revelation 18:3: “For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.”

Language Study

• The word “fornication” (πορνείας/porneias in Greek) often symbolizes idolatry or unfaithfulness to God.
• “Kings of the earth” (βασιλεῖς /basileis tēs gēs in Greek) typically refers to earthly rulers or authorities.
• “Drunk” (μεθυσθῶσιν/methysthōsin in Greek) is a metaphor for being influenced or led astray, losing moral clarity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient religions, there are concepts of cities or civilizations that embody corruption or oppose the gods. For example, in Greek mythology, the city of Troy was destroyed due to its transgressions against the gods. In the context of Revelation, “Babylon” draws from the Old Testament, where the original Babylon was a symbol of arrogance and opposition to God.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understanding typically does not intersect directly with the figurative language found in apocalyptic literature, which is more symbolic and concerned with moral and spiritual issues than with empirical analysis. However, the concept of mass influence and the behavior of populations could be studied through the lenses of sociology and psychology.

Commentaries

Commentators on Revelation present various perspectives on this verse. Some suggest that it reflects the historical circumstances of Christians in Rome. Others focus on its prophetic nature with respect to future events or systems of power that oppose the divine order. Most agree that the imagery of fornication and drunkenness is meant to convey deep moral and spiritual corruption and the pervasive influence of ungodly forces.